Grade Forgiveness
Grade forgiveness supports a student transitioning from the declared program of study to a different program of study. The following guidelines and requirements must be met:
Grade forgiveness is permitted one time at each degree level: associate, bachelor, and master. If at a later time the student transitions into another degree program, grade forgiveness is not permitted.
The student must officially change their program of study (change of major) at the same time or before submitting a Grade Forgiveness Petition.
A maximum of four (4) courses will be forgiven at the undergraduate level and a maximum of two (2) courses at the graduate level.
Selected courses may not fulfill requirements for the General Education Goals, Bachelor of Arts Supplement, or a major, concentration, minor, or certificate program.A forgiven course will appear on the academic transcript with the original grade earned but designated as “Z-grade” and may be calculated by graduate/ professional schools or potential employers if they so choose.
The credit hours of forgiven courses are not calculated into the quality points for cumulative grade point average computations.
A student declaring a new program of study in which previously excluded quality points are now required, the student will complete the revocation of grade forgiveness form and the course(s) the quality points will count in the grade point average.
A student who is on academic warning or probation and granted grade forgiveness will remain on academic warning or probation and must follow the Academic Standing policy.
Forgiveness is not applicable to students on academic suspension. A student must be readmitted and active before completing the Grade Forgiveness Petition.
Academic Forgiveness
The Academic Forgiveness program provides a second opportunity to any former Norwich University student who has experienced past academic difficulties to have a fresh cumulative grade point average. The policy is designed for undergraduate students who have gained maturity outside higher education and have demonstrated that they are capable of being successful at Norwich University.
Eligibility
A student must have been absent from the university for a consecutive period of 24 consecutive months.
A student must complete one semester of academic work and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
A student who meets these eligibility requirements will be able to suppress quality points with earned grades below a “C” at Norwich University taken prior to being granted academic forgiveness. While the quality points will not be tabulated, the course may fulfill requirements as stipulated in programs of study requirements, or as electives. Grades of “C” or better are not altered and will be used toward degree requirements as applicable. Graduation requirements shall be those listed in the catalog at the time of re-entry, NOT in the catalog at the time the student originally matriculated. A student will be approved for academic forgiveness only once during their academic career. There is no guarantee, expressed or implied, that the academic forgiveness policy will be recognized by any other college or university.
Considerations:
The student’s record will be inscribed with the notation “Academic Forgiveness Granted (date).”
The previous academic record will appear on the transcript as “X-grade” and can be calculated by graduate/ professional schools or potential employers if they so choose.
The granting of Academic Forgiveness does not supersede a suspension or dismissal policy. Any suspension or dismissal that occurred in the past shall remain recorded on the student’s permanent record.
Re-entry into any program is not automatic. The granting of Academic Forgiveness may not supersede the admissions requirements of certain programs, which require a specific minimum grade point average based on all coursework.
A student who is interested in pursuing Academic Forgiveness must complete an online petition form and submit it to the Committee on Academic Standing and Degrees. The deadline to submit a completed petition is after a minimum of 12 credit hours, but not more than 32 credit hours taken since re-enrollment at Norwich. This must include:
A formal letter asking permission to participate and a statement of the projected benefits if allowed back into the University under provisions of the Academic Forgiveness program.
A summary of events explaining the academic record during the student’s previous attendance at Norwich University. Any supporting documents outlining the unusual circumstances (personal, emotional, medical, financial) should be included.
Any recommendation letters from employers that support the student’s development and successes from the time the student departed from Norwich University.
A letter from an academic advisor or other faculty member describing positive academic progress and the potential for academic success.
Academic Forgiveness may have an impact on financial aid; a student should contact the Student Financial Planning office to understand their specific situation.